We are flying Delta LAX to CDG in May for $1,286.00 for 2 in coach. the same flight for tickets in Business is
$4,150.00! thats about $275.00 per hour more on the same airplane for what? a bigger seat and a little better food.
I think I will keep flying coach.

droolpatrol,

"Oh, if only the airlines had the liberty of the free market system for labor when they do their hiring."

Am I wrong in thinking that the airlines negotiated the labor contracts which now seem to hinder their ability to earn a profit?

And finally, the airlines are trying very hard to correct their past over-generosity by negotiating contracts more in line with business reality.

In the past month I have flown myself or bought tickets for staff traveling, none were full fare, they varied from 3 month limit on ticket to no changes to budget with fixed flights. As none of these cost more than 25-30% of a full fare ticket it saved a fortune. On Singapore airlines flights regionaly we were even able to change return dates and in one case change a return from Sydney to Brisbane all without any extra costs.
It depends where you fly and the restrictions.

Suggestion to rkkwan:

YOU buy the full-fare tickets and leave the rest of us to try to work out the discounts as best we can.

ps. sounds as though there are some bitter airline employees or ex-employees among the posters.

I think some of you missed the tongue in cheek nature of the original post ;)

well, either by full-fare refundable or be decisive in the itinerary, and stick to it. and, if that's not possible, there is always travelers insurance.